Kohl had a rather complicated expression on his face. Nonetheless, there was no way that he could stop himself from smiling.
“You’re old.”
“That I am, brother.”
The person before Kohl was the person who had saved him fifty-seven years ago. A storm of emotions came rushing into Kohl thinking of the days that had passed. Mavin Tomas remained unchanged.
“It’s good that you are alive. It’s good.”
Kohl smiled. Mavin Tomas looked at the wrinkled-up Kohl.
“I mourned for you, brother. You should know.”
“You’re not that surprised.”
“Why should I?”
Kohl looked at Natalya, Wendy, and the rest of the sisters that were with them. Kohl even recognized some of the old hounds that were struggling, but alive. They gathered at the old compound that was made fifteen years ago. The guest they welcomed was enough to shake their hearts.
“Huh, I guess if you’re acquainted with Natalya, then she must have revealed something to you.”
“She did. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. Brother, you did good in marrying her.”
“I don’t know about that.”
Mavin smiled wearily. Kohl hung his mouth slightly, then as if it clicked to him. He recalled that it was the Emperor who decided to wed them. Even the missing left arm of the Lady and that former scar of her was made by Mavin. It was a complicated relationship, but he also understood that the Lady was the type to hold her love strongly. The only time she felt that the Lady had desires was when looking at some of the beautiful women of the world. Not that he’d dare ask her about her preferences.
Mavin Tomas looked at Kohl who was in deep thought.
“You know. I could help you return to your youth.”
“Are you serious?”
“I am. The hounds are still alive. Though they are aged their lifespan is still long.”
“I see.”
Kohl looked up and thought to himself.
“No, I don’t think I will.”
“Why?”
“Maria didn’t want that. The Lady wanted her part of the pact but since I didn’t have a long lifespan, she refused. I did persuade her to take the pact, but it looks like she doesn’t want me to experience old age alone.”
Kohl laughed. He stared at the skyline.
“Brother, remember when this was all just trees and forests?”
“Sudugar was always had mountains and hills like this. But yeah, I get you.”
The scenery had changed truly. There were buildings and concrete roads and cars were running the turning roads. There were trains running in different directions. The skies would sometimes have flying vehicles. Kohl thought of how such things suddenly came to the world. The change was almost frightening.
“Back then we climbed these steps, right? I remember going to that Inn with you. Too bad that the establishment closed after the civil war. I was actually hoping to put some money to it, but it was already too late.”
Mavin listened quietly. Kohl saw that and continued. “When the civil war was happening. I did hope that it wouldn’t reach Sudugar. I mean, I got married so I didn’t want to go to war. I would have gone to war if it wasn’t for Lady Natalya helping me get around the drafts here. So when the Conderary was established, I thought of working hard.”
“You did well.”
Mavin complimented him. Kohl scratched the back of his whitened hair.
“That was so long ago. It’s still unreal to me how things have changed. Long-lived people, flying ships, and all of this are just beyond me. I’m glad to see it though.”
His expression was clear that he liked it. Mavin looked at Kohl’s wrinkled face that had been bathed by sunlight.
“And here I was thinking that I didn’t do anything right.”
Kohl reacted with a gasp. “That can’t be. You did more than anyone. It might be just nothing to you, brother. But if you didn’t save me years ago and if you didn’t push me to meet Maria...did you think that I would be here?”
He looked at the family that gathered. He pointed his eyes at his children, grandchildren and the extended family who surrounded Natalya and Wendy.
“And would I be here with them?”
Mavin blinked, then he stared at the skyline.
“No, I don’t think so.”
“That’s right. So please don’t say that you didn’t do anything right. I heard what you did. What you tried to defeat. I couldn’t imagine what the world would be if you didn’t step in. I won’t excuse you for introducing some things that shouldn’t have existed. But this peace we have? It’s worth the price of fear.”
Mavin laughed in a low voice. “Kohl, I didn’t really expect that one day you would be so wise. Hah, I guess I have nothing to refute about what you want. But… are you sure that you want it? She can still get an extension and you two can live longer. No, I just don’t want some of the people that I know to go away.”
“Mavin…”
Mavin’s expression was tired. There was a heaviness in his eyes that Kohl couldn’t describe.
He lowered his head.
“I’d be lying if I said that I don’t want it. Who doesn’t want to live longer? Who doesn’t want to witness what may come? Fifty-years from now, what would the world look like?”
“I want to see it, but at the same time.”
He gave a rather exhausted look. “I had enough for one lifetime. I would rather leave this world together with my Maria. But even though I speak like this. I know that when the day comes. I’ll be afraid. I’ll be terrified when that thought comes. The thought of Maria leaving. It pains me. But right now I just want to spend these twilight years surrounded by my family.”
“Does your family want to live longer?”
“Some of them have already taken the pact. Milady tries to persuade them when she could, but it seems that the Lady has really gotten close to my family. Ah, perhaps, if I do want to live longer… I want to see your children, brother.”
Mavin kept his eyes on Natalya.
“I don’t know.”
“Well, take your time.”
Kohl grinned. Mavin looked at him and snorted.
“I should listen since you seem to be a master of that, friendo. Twelve kids, huh. What a champ you are, Kohl. I didn’t think that you’d be this demanding of poor Maria.”
Kohl laughed heartily. “Well, considering what happened...we were anxious and just glad. I was young so I thought that well, you know what I’m talking about.”
Mavin grinned.
“What do you mean I know that you’re talking?”
Kohl grunted. “Anyway, let’s just say that we got busy and we have many kids. That’s that.”
His answer was firm. Mavin let it go and stared at one of the cars going around this road.
“This place really is beautiful and cool. I expected that I wouldn’t see cars so much, but it looks like I was wrong about that. I’m glad that this place still retains its rustic mood. Would be a shame to lose it.”
“There are farmers here who just want to farm. They do sell their produce in these markets where they like to buy natural produce vegetables. Most of the products these days are mass-produced and even some of the veggies have strange tastes now. So they grow it on their own.”
“I can see why.”
The wind passed them. The music behind them drifted. The two looked back and saw the little boys and girls being lectured by Natalya who had become a strict motherly figure.
“She always somewhat ends up doing that to them. The kids don’t hate it. My children don't even bother...really, they are letting it in their heads, thinking that they’ll have a chance to have Natalya’s council.”
“That's so.”
Kohl looked at the rather lonely expression that Mavin sported. It was a distant look that spoke how distant everyone was. He was uneasy and even though Kohl’s kid knew who saved Kohl back then, it didn’t mean that they would quickly form a bond.
“My kids can be a pain in the ass,” Kohl started. “My grandchildrens are big babies who rely too much on their grand auntie Natalya. Brother Mavin, I hope that you can look after them. I know that it’s too much to ask, but think of them as family. I had drilled on these kids that you are the reason that we are together. They already think of Lady Natalya as part of their extended family. I hope that you can think that as well.”
“You ask a lot.”
“I do. Can’t help it, brother.”
Mavin lifted his hands and stared at them.
“I’ve been asleep. The world changed that even now I am driven by this goal. Honestly, if she didn’t drag me around after I broke down in front of Eleia. I think I would have lost it. She took me around many familiar places and told me. I feel pathetic. She’s calm. She didn’t lose it. I feel juvenile compared to her now.”
“Well, the lady is wise.”
“That she is.”
He didn’t deny it. Mavin looked confused at the thought of it.
“It’s strange how devoted she is. I don’t think anyone in their right mind would be. Considering what I did. And if I think that her reason is those nightmares… then it’s even stranger. I don’t know how to deal with it.”
Kohl couldn’t say anything. What can a mortal like him even say to these long-lived friends of his?
“So… what are your plans?”
“Try to be with her. I don’t have the right to manage the land now. It’s a burden that I don’t dare to take upon myself. I’ll be working close to her at least. That’s what she wants and considering that I’d been a deadbeat husband for half a century...I think I don’t have the right to say anything about it.”
“Is there anything going to happen?”
Kohl asked directly. Mavin stayed his gaze on the skyline.
“There might be. I won’t lie that there are forces that might cause trouble. But what era doesn’t have one?”
Kohl stood up. He looked Mavin in the eyes.
“Then are you going to help, brother?”
“I am. The world is changing, but there are still things that might be manageable. I’d take care of the hardest paths, but what we are facing next isn’t something that can be dealt with easily with violence. Because if we do go down that path. Then I doubt there would be anyone left alive to talk about it.”
His eyes were emptied, his countenance giving off a grim look. He then shook his face, and then looked away for a moment.
“It will be tough. It’s easy when dealing with isolated cases, but things that require guile and secrecy will be harder to take care of.”
“Now I feel bad for asking you to care for them.”
Mavin shook his head. “No, it’s natural that you ask me that. I like it. If you’re too tired to deal with them, then don’t worry Kohl. I’ll make sure that your folks are well-protected.”
Kohl nodded, then said with worry in his tone. “Sometimes, I wish that you and the Lady can just take time to take it easy.”
Mavin didn’t answer. No, even answering would be nothing more than an excuse. Kohl knew them enough that they weren’t the type to turn away their eyes.
One had taken responsibility for the family that she had been protecting.
One was a rabid protector who wasn’t going to stay silent if there was a threat to come. Kohl wanted them to relax, but knowing who they are… he couldn’t. He was glad enough that an old friend was still alive.
“Well, now that you’re here, how about a drink?”
“Can you take it?”
“I can! I am not fragile!”
Mavin looked at him oddly then laughed. “Very well. Let’s see if you can.”
Kohl had a rather complicated expression on his face. Nonetheless, there was no way that he could stop himself from smiling.
“You’re old.”
“That I am, brother.”
The person before Kohl was the person who had saved him fifty-seven years ago. A storm of emotions came rushing into Kohl thinking of the days that had passed. Mavin Tomas remained unchanged.
“It’s good that you are alive. It’s good.”
Kohl smiled. Mavin Tomas looked at the wrinkled-up Kohl.
“I mourned for you, brother. You should know.”
“You’re not that surprised.”
“Why should I?”
Kohl looked at Natalya, Wendy, and the rest of the sisters that were with them. Kohl even recognized some of the old hounds that were struggling, but alive. They gathered at the old compound that was made fifteen years ago. The guest they welcomed was enough to shake their hearts.
“Huh, I guess if you’re acquainted with Natalya, then she must have revealed something to you.”
“She did. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. Brother, you did good in marrying her.”
“I don’t know about that.”
Mavin smiled wearily. Kohl hung his mouth slightly, then as if it clicked to him. He recalled that it was the Emperor who decided to wed them. Even the missing left arm of the Lady and that former scar of her was made by Mavin. It was a complicated relationship, but he also understood that the Lady was the type to hold her love strongly. The only time she felt that the Lady had desires was when looking at some of the beautiful women of the world. Not that he’d dare ask her about her preferences.
Mavin Tomas looked at Kohl who was in deep thought.
“You know. I could help you return to your youth.”
“Are you serious?”
“I am. The hounds are still alive. Though they are aged their lifespan is still long.”
“I see.”
Kohl looked up and thought to himself.
“No, I don’t think I will.”
“Why?”
“Maria didn’t want that. The Lady wanted her part of the pact but since I didn’t have a long lifespan, she refused. I did persuade her to take the pact, but it looks like she doesn’t want me to experience old age alone.”
Kohl laughed. He stared at the skyline.
“Brother, remember when this was all just trees and forests?”
“Sudugar was always had mountains and hills like this. But yeah, I get you.”
The scenery had changed truly. There were buildings and concrete roads and cars were running the turning roads. There were trains running in different directions. The skies would sometimes have flying vehicles. Kohl thought of how such things suddenly came to the world. The change was almost frightening.
“Back then we climbed these steps, right? I remember going to that Inn with you. Too bad that the establishment closed after the civil war. I was actually hoping to put some money to it, but it was already too late.”
Mavin listened quietly. Kohl saw that and continued. “When the civil war was happening. I did hope that it wouldn’t reach Sudugar. I mean, I got married so I didn’t want to go to war. I would have gone to war if it wasn’t for Lady Natalya helping me get around the drafts here. So when the Conderary was established, I thought of working hard.”
“You did well.”
Mavin complimented him. Kohl scratched the back of his whitened hair.
“That was so long ago. It’s still unreal to me how things have changed. Long-lived people, flying ships, and all of this are just beyond me. I’m glad to see it though.”
His expression was clear that he liked it. Mavin looked at Kohl’s wrinkled face that had been bathed by sunlight.
“And here I was thinking that I didn’t do anything right.”
Kohl reacted with a gasp. “That can’t be. You did more than anyone. It might be just nothing to you, brother. But if you didn’t save me years ago and if you didn’t push me to meet Maria...did you think that I would be here?”
He looked at the family that gathered. He pointed his eyes at his children, grandchildren and the extended family who surrounded Natalya and Wendy.
“And would I be here with them?”
Mavin blinked, then he stared at the skyline.
“No, I don’t think so.”
“That’s right. So please don’t say that you didn’t do anything right. I heard what you did. What you tried to defeat. I couldn’t imagine what the world would be if you didn’t step in. I won’t excuse you for introducing some things that shouldn’t have existed. But this peace we have? It’s worth the price of fear.”
Mavin laughed in a low voice. “Kohl, I didn’t really expect that one day you would be so wise. Hah, I guess I have nothing to refute about what you want. But… are you sure that you want it? She can still get an extension and you two can live longer. No, I just don’t want some of the people that I know to go away.”
“Mavin…”
Mavin’s expression was tired. There was a heaviness in his eyes that Kohl couldn’t describe.
He lowered his head.
“I’d be lying if I said that I don’t want it. Who doesn’t want to live longer? Who doesn’t want to witness what may come? Fifty-years from now, what would the world look like?”
“I want to see it, but at the same time.”
He gave a rather exhausted look. “I had enough for one lifetime. I would rather leave this world together with my Maria. But even though I speak like this. I know that when the day comes. I’ll be afraid. I’ll be terrified when that thought comes. The thought of Maria leaving. It pains me. But right now I just want to spend these twilight years surrounded by my family.”
“Does your family want to live longer?”
“Some of them have already taken the pact. Milady tries to persuade them when she could, but it seems that the Lady has really gotten close to my family. Ah, perhaps, if I do want to live longer… I want to see your children, brother.”
Mavin kept his eyes on Natalya.
“I don’t know.”
“Well, take your time.”
Kohl grinned. Mavin looked at him and snorted.
“I should listen since you seem to be a master of that, friendo. Twelve kids, huh. What a champ you are, Kohl. I didn’t think that you’d be this demanding of poor Maria.”
Kohl laughed heartily. “Well, considering what happened...we were anxious and just glad. I was young so I thought that well, you know what I’m talking about.”
Mavin grinned.
“What do you mean I know that you’re talking?”
Kohl grunted. “Anyway, let’s just say that we got busy and we have many kids. That’s that.”
His answer was firm. Mavin let it go and stared at one of the cars going around this road.
“This place really is beautiful and cool. I expected that I wouldn’t see cars so much, but it looks like I was wrong about that. I’m glad that this place still retains its rustic mood. Would be a shame to lose it.”
“There are farmers here who just want to farm. They do sell their produce in these markets where they like to buy natural produce vegetables. Most of the products these days are mass-produced and even some of the veggies have strange tastes now. So they grow it on their own.”
“I can see why.”
The wind passed them. The music behind them drifted. The two looked back and saw the little boys and girls being lectured by Natalya who had become a strict motherly figure.
“She always somewhat ends up doing that to them. The kids don’t hate it. My children don't even bother...really, they are letting it in their heads, thinking that they’ll have a chance to have Natalya’s council.”
“That's so.”
Kohl looked at the rather lonely expression that Mavin sported. It was a distant look that spoke how distant everyone was. He was uneasy and even though Kohl’s kid knew who saved Kohl back then, it didn’t mean that they would quickly form a bond.
“My kids can be a pain in the ass,” Kohl started. “My grandchildrens are big babies who rely too much on their grand auntie Natalya. Brother Mavin, I hope that you can look after them. I know that it’s too much to ask, but think of them as family. I had drilled on these kids that you are the reason that we are together. They already think of Lady Natalya as part of their extended family. I hope that you can think that as well.”
“You ask a lot.”
“I do. Can’t help it, brother.”
Mavin lifted his hands and stared at them.
“I’ve been asleep. The world changed that even now I am driven by this goal. Honestly, if she didn’t drag me around after I broke down in front of Eleia. I think I would have lost it. She took me around many familiar places and told me. I feel pathetic. She’s calm. She didn’t lose it. I feel juvenile compared to her now.”
“Well, the lady is wise.”
“That she is.”
He didn’t deny it. Mavin looked confused at the thought of it.
“It’s strange how devoted she is. I don’t think anyone in their right mind would be. Considering what I did. And if I think that her reason is those nightmares… then it’s even stranger. I don’t know how to deal with it.”
Kohl couldn’t say anything. What can a mortal like him even say to these long-lived friends of his?
“So… what are your plans?”
“Try to be with her. I don’t have the right to manage the land now. It’s a burden that I don’t dare to take upon myself. I’ll be working close to her at least. That’s what she wants and considering that I’d been a deadbeat husband for half a century...I think I don’t have the right to say anything about it.”
“Is there anything going to happen?”
Kohl asked directly. Mavin stayed his gaze on the skyline.
“There might be. I won’t lie that there are forces that might cause trouble. But what era doesn’t have one?”
Kohl stood up. He looked Mavin in the eyes.
“Then are you going to help, brother?”
“I am. The world is changing, but there are still things that might be manageable. I’d take care of the hardest paths, but what we are facing next isn’t something that can be dealt with easily with violence. Because if we do go down that path. Then I doubt there would be anyone left alive to talk about it.”
His eyes were emptied, his countenance giving off a grim look. He then shook his face, and then looked away for a moment.
“It will be tough. It’s easy when dealing with isolated cases, but things that require guile and secrecy will be harder to take care of.”
“Now I feel bad for asking you to care for them.”
Mavin shook his head. “No, it’s natural that you ask me that. I like it. If you’re too tired to deal with them, then don’t worry Kohl. I’ll make sure that your folks are well-protected.”
Kohl nodded, then said with worry in his tone. “Sometimes, I wish that you and the Lady can just take time to take it easy.”
Mavin didn’t answer. No, even answering would be nothing more than an excuse. Kohl knew them enough that they weren’t the type to turn away their eyes.
One had taken responsibility for the family that she had been protecting.
One was a rabid protector who wasn’t going to stay silent if there was a threat to come. Kohl wanted them to relax, but knowing who they are… he couldn’t. He was glad enough that an old friend was still alive.
“Well, now that you’re here, how about a drink?”
“Can you take it?”
“I can! I am not fragile!”
Mavin looked at him oddly then laughed. “Very well. Let’s see if you can.”
